Financial Controller

Walker’s Shortbread is one of Scotland’s most iconic and respected companies and continues to have ambitious plans offering exciting opportunities.

Its signature pure butter shortbread is baked in the Speyside village of Aberlour to an original family recipe, perfected by Joseph Walker in 1898, and despite being situated in the North of Scotland has become of one of the UK’s largest branded food exporters and gone on to develop many other excellent products across a truly global business.

With over 70% of the export market for UK shortbread, its original product justifiably lays claim to be one of the best in the world and certainly an example of ‘Scotland at its finest!”.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Following developments within the Finance Function, including the recent appointment of Norman Ross as Finance Director, the opportunity has arisen for an ambitious, collaborative and technically exceptional Financial Controller to join the Walker’s Shortbread family.

A senior leadership role in the finance function, the role holder will oversee the day-to-day activities of the finance team ensuring it is organised, efficient, compliant and produces timely and accurate accounts information in a format that will facilitate proactive decision making. The role holder will assist with, and in some cases lead, the review and evolution of the finance function, its processes and systems.

The role is one of the key reports to the Finance Director and will be required to lead, support and evolve the team and its outputs as the business continues to modernise and transform as a key proactive enabling function.

The successful candidate will be looking for an opportunity to exercise their excellent technical and financial brain alongside managing a team and partnering with a wide range of complex multi-disciplined stakeholders.

This is a varied role and not just a reporting and controls role, incorporating Data Protection and Currency Committee roles, and will be involved in a wide range of commercial projects across the business as they partner and work closely with the FP&A Manager and the Finance Director.

With a culture of looking out for their team, this is an excellent opportunity to join a well performing business with a globally renowned brand, working for an excellent Finance Director focussed on developing his team and function.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Management and Reporting

• Oversee the timely and accurate preparation of the team’s output, including commentary addressing key issues:
  • Monthly KPIs
  • Monthly management accounts
  • Quarterly management and accounts report
  • Annual statutory accounts
• Liaise with external auditors to support the robust review of the year end statutory accounts.
• Monitor the finances and cash flows of the organisation to ensure the company has sufficient cash available to discharge its obligations and carry out its planned activity, including foreign exchange and treasury analysis.

Advisory and Operational Improvement

• Review the integrity of the Company’s accounting records, processes, internal controls and system environment ensuring documentation is up to date. Maintain or evolve thereafter.
• Management of the finance team ensuring that support, coaching and appraisal is provided to enable the team to successfully perform their duties.
• Review the team’s resilience and capabilities, formulating plans to align its output to the business’ requirements.
• Engage the leadership team peer group to support the measurement / management agenda, aligning with the business’ new forward planning schedule.

Compliance

• Oversee and participate in the company’s payroll operations ensuring that accurate records are maintained, returns to HMRC are made on time and statutory requirements are met.
• Assist with the day-to-day administration of the company’s pension schemes with the possible inclusion of being an Employer Nominated Trustee.
• Meet necessary HMRC compliance obligations (including but not limited to Corporation tax, PAYE, National Insurance and VAT).

Other

• Liaison with the company’s professional advisors (i.e. auditors, bankers, pension scheme advisors), as appropriate.
• Secretary of the Currency Committee.
• Assume the Data Protection Officer role on behalf of the Company.
• Authorisation of financial transactions within agreed limits.
• Other reasonable ad-hoc tasks as required from time to time.

REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge/qualifications

• Qualified accountant
• Technical knowledge covering current UK GAAP, pension, payroll and data protection legislation.

Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and with appropriate tone – verbally, in writing and when presenting to groups.
• A “can do” attitude aimed at delivering personal objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Excellent data analytical skills and judgement.
• Organisational skills including the ability to manage a diverse and busy workload, to plan effectively and work consistently to deadlines.
• Competent user of IT, appropriate to the role.
• A creative / innovative thinker with the confidence to take forward new ideas and concepts systematically.
• Ability to work well as part of the leadership team providing support and motivation to team members, acting as a positive role model at all times.

To apply or arrange an initial conversation to find out more, please email or send your CV and covering letter to Michael Dickson at michael@fwbparkbrown.com